Life is not easy in retail at the moment! Who wants to face challenges like these: Threats from on-line stores, drop in consumer sentiment, competitors from overseas, major department stores laying off staff and stores closing.
Yet I know at least one person who is enjoying these challenging times – Harris Scarfe CEO, Joe Barberis. He has all the excuses under the sun to be pessimistic…..
However Harris Scarfe seem to bucking the negative trend. They are opening new stores, recruiting new staff and profitability is up. Joe who previously headed up Officeworks as their CEO, feels excited about where Harris Scarfe is currently placed. And he has big plans for its future.
I’ve learned so many hard lessons over the years, mainly about myself. Self awareness is key, especially understanding your strengths and in particular your weaknesses. Surround yourself with complimentary people. Having a great HR team too can ensure the business continues to have quality open & honest feedback and communication channels
Joe has generously offered to present at Bridgeworks’ Leadership breakfast at the MCG on Friday 2nd August, 2013. There he will share tips on succeeding in tough times against the tide. That is something in which he has plenty of experience, opening and closing businesses and taking many through significant transition.
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